Mayor Supports Council Decision to Seek Court Ruling on IG Matter

(Washington, DC) Mayor Anthony A. Williams responded favorably to the announcement by the Council this afternoon to seek an expedited proceeding in the DC Court of Appeals in an effort to resolve the emerging conflict over the future of the Inspector General of the District of Columbia.

"It is appropriate for the court to evaluate this matter. There are important, fundamental principles at issue that lie at the core of the structure of our government. In my opinion, the Council legislation is an intrusion into the executive authority of the Mayor, plain and simple. The Council does not have the authority to make appointments or to remove officials who serve at the pleasure of the Mayor," said Williams.

"Having said that, I welcome the opportunity to present my case to the Court of Appeals and to have the court hear the views presented by the attorneys representing the Council," added Williams.

Last Friday, based on an opinion from Interim Corporation Counsel Arabella Teal, Williams directed the Chief Financial Officer and the Director of the Office of Personnel to continue to maintain the salary and authority of the incumbent Inspector General, Charles Maddox. Efforts on behalf of the administration to seek a joint petition to the court in advance of the effective date of the legislation were unsuccessful.

"This matter is not about the individual who currently holds the position. It is fundamentally a question of fairness and due process. It involves the basic principles governing the separation of powers. These are matters of significant import, and they deserve the immediate attention of the court," Williams concluded.

Both the Council and the Administration have filed a joint motion for an expedited briefing.